NEW YORK - MAY 21, 2010

What to Wear This Summer

Shenan Clothing Debuts

We’ve been struggling with a summer fashion math problem: If A is harem pants, B is cropped tops, and C is how to wear them, then what is C? So far we’ve come up with WTF.

Let’s just copy off Shenan Fraguadas. The NYC-raised, Greenpoint-based designer solves the equation by pairing A and B.

Scary, we know, but these two puzzling trends become the perfect summer outfit under her tutelage. When worn with the slightly high-rise harem pants, those flattering silk tanks don’t reveal even a slice of tummy.

Fraguadas hates remainders, so she designs effortless pieces that avoid trash-destined flash-trends and can be mixed and matched. Throw the green silk military blazer over a tank and you’re ready for work. On weekends, pull on one of the incredibly soft hand-shredded tees with a pair of shorts.

Production is kept small, local, and therefore less expensive ($80-$150 for tops, skirts, and pants; $225-$300 for dresses and jackets), which allows Fraguadas to solve another of our arithmetic issues: Balancing the checkbook.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Designer: Shenan

For those of you who had feared the 80's harem pants and cut-off tees, you might have to get over it, they are a trend for this Summer. While many commit some serious crimes (harem pants, that look like diaper dumps and tees that can fit your little sister and/or cousin), Shenansuccessfully serves up offerings that have you on trend and not a nostalgia piece.

With a fashion pedigree from Parsons (she also worked at DKNY and Calvin Klein) and clients including Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Shenan Fraguadas has definitely created a niche for herself. With silk cut-off tees and harem pants in silk and knit jersey with ditsy floral prints, everyone can channel their inner Woodstock. More importantly, her offerings are at moderate price points ($80-$300) so anyone can jump in on this trend. Based in New York, the collection is sold at Thistle & Clover (221 Dekalb Avenue) and online at shenan.bigcartel.com .

Monday, October 4, 2010

the spun 3 performance was meant to borrow the symbolism and ritual of the masons but to place it in a modern and feminized context, shifting the power base of the imagery to the feminine. spun 3 photos by daniel marin